Tag Archives: love

I’ve been quite emotional about this, I can’t lie. It is SO true that time flies, whether it’s good or bad you can’t slow it down and yes, hindsight is a wonderful thing. My first born, first love, turns 18years old. So, as a note to me and maybe him, (he may read it one day), I was going to write 18 things about O…..

But decided that maybe wasn’t enough. I could also go on about autism, diagnosis, milestones, my mistakes, how big and wide your feet are, how handsome you are, your isms, obsessions, our ups and downs, staying true to yourself, your kind soul, how hard mothering can be, what I have learned. But the crux of story that is you so far is…

It’s Mental Health Awareness this week (I’m sure many of you know) and this is something I have experienced since I was 20years old.

The above is so important, kind of obvious, but a struggle when you have children I think. The guilt sets in, or just finding the time to do something for yourself is a challenge. But in reality, why should you feel guilty if it means you have that little bit of breathing space to have all those feel good bugs from exercise (or whatever you choose) to keep you from snapping at your children or someone or feeling bad about yourself.

I’ve been looking at kids furniture recently, as the boys keep asking (Rudy asking, Wilbur nodding) for bunk beds and totally fell in love with this Scandinavian furniture. It’s simply beautiful, details are gorgeous, even looks delicate and SO pretty.

I have loved everything Emily Current and Meritt Elliot have done together. Loved Current Elliot, like the book they have done and the collaboration with Pottery Barn for teens interiors. My latest swoon of their work is for their brand The Great. Easy to wear pieces, with a touch of nostalgic America.

Preheat oven to 170C
Melt chocolate & coconut oil in a double boiler (do not let base of bowl
touch the water)
In a small bowl mix the flax and water and set aside for at least 5mins
Once melted add the sugar, stir well
Then add flax mixture and vanilla extract, mix well
Next add the flour, salt and any optional add ins

Our next recipe this week for Valentine’s, comes from the very talented mum of three Lizzie King. Founder of Vitalove frozen baby food and the lady behind Lizze Loves Healthy. You must visit her site. It’s full of great recipes, lots of gluten and sugar free goodness you and the kids will love. Also follow @lizzieloveshealthy on instagram for daily tips and recipes.

Vanilla Berry Cream Cake

A delcious, totally healthy revamp of a classic Victoria sponge.

This is a fabulous celebration cake and looks the part for any occasion, as well as dinner parties and afternoon tea! It was invented for a girl who doesn’t like cake – but is wild about berries and cream – this was a breakthrough!

Honey is a delicate and delicious addition in sponge and with some vanilla cream, and tons of fresh fruit is way sweet enough.

Melt the butter with the honey, and leave off the heat to cool slightly. Whisk eggs with an electric whisk til smooth and pale, slowly add the butter mixture. Sift flour, baking powder and pinch of sea salt slowly into wet mixture, don’t over mix as it will become dense.

Pour into lined 8/9inch cake tin. Cook for 20-30 minute in the centre of the oven until golden brown on top and skewer comes out clean.

For the topping, whip the cream until fluffy, add vanilla and honey gradually, and keep whipping until firm enough to spread. Leave in fridge until cake has cooled.

Slice cake through the middle and spread with 1/3 of the cream and dot with chopped berries. Put the top half on and spread thickly with the remaining cream and decorate with berries. Enjoy!

A little Q&A with Lizzie:

Where do you live and with whom?
I live off Ladbroke Grove, West London. With my husband and 3 children, Jethro, Calypso and Phoenix.

What did you do before you started your blog, courses and Vitalove range? What plans do you have for your business this year?
I worked on films as a script editor before having children. I have lots of exciting plans starting with writing my first cook book to other things I can’t talk about yet!

Where are your favourite child friendly places to eat in London?
We don’t eat out in London a lot – mainly because I always have so much food at home that needs eating! But we love The Wolseley for birthday breakfasts. Pizza East right next door to us. And there’s a great Sushi place called Kulu Kulu Sushi that we meet my husband from work at sometimes.

What’s the favourite meal of the moment in your house?
My Buckwheat Pancakes have been a family obsession for a few years now, but the dish of the moment seems to be Crispy Duck Pancakes and avocado on toast for breakfast is having a moment after they kept stealing mine!

A little Q&A with Alana:Where do you live and with whom?
I live in Los Angeles with my husband Brandon and my two kids, Declan who is 6 and Everly who is 3.

Where do you and the kids like to hang out at the moment?
Los Angeles is full of kid friendly places we love to frequent. On any weekend you can find us at the Los Angeles County Museum, {LACMA}, The Farmer’s Market, Grand Central Market, the beach, or our favorite park!

Where is your favourite place to eat?
Some of our favorite restaurants are Umami Burger, Al Gelato, C&O Trattoria, Home State, and Pieology for a good ol’ pizza.